In this article
Introduction
Choosing a nursery isn’t just about picking the closest one or the one with the best website. It’s about finding the right fit for your child — somewhere safe, nurturing, and aligned with your family’s needs.
A visit is the best way to get a feel for a nursery, but it’s easy to get distracted by the colourful walls, tiny chairs, and cheerful staff. That’s why it helps to have a clear set of questions ready. Here’s a guide to the things every parent should ask — and why they matter.
Why Questions Matter
Nurseries can look similar on the surface, but the way they operate varies widely. Asking the right questions gives you:
- A realistic idea of daily life for your child.
- Clarity on costs, routines, and expectations.
- Insight into the values and culture of the nursery.
The answers also help you compare settings fairly — beyond just headline fees or Ofsted ratings.
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Key Questions to Ask (and Why They Matter)
1. What is your daily routine?
Children thrive on routine. A good nursery will explain how the day flows: arrivals, play, mealtimes, naps, outdoor time. This gives you a sense of structure and whether it matches your child’s needs.
2. How do you support children’s learning and development?
Look for mentions of the EYFS framework and how staff adapt activities for different ages. Ask for examples — do they use story time for language, or cooking activities for maths?
3. What are your staff-to-child ratios?
By law, ratios are:
- 1:3 for under 2s
- 1:4 for 2–3 year olds
- 1:8 for 3+ year olds
A nursery that exceeds these ratios shows a commitment to quality care.
4. Who will be my child’s key person?
Every child should be assigned a key person — a member of staff who builds a special bond and tracks their progress. Ask how the key person system works and how you’ll be kept informed.
5. What is staff turnover like?
High turnover can mean instability for children. Long-standing staff usually reflect a happy team and a well-run nursery.
6. How do you manage behaviour, accidents, or illnesses?
This will tell you how the nursery supports children emotionally, and how they communicate with parents in challenging situations.
7. What’s included in the fees?
Be clear: are meals, nappies, wipes, trips, and enrichment classes included or extra? How are the 15 or 30 free hours applied? Nurseries vary a lot here.
8. How do you involve parents?
Great nurseries see parents as partners. Ask how progress is shared (apps, diaries, parent meetings) and how they involve families in learning.
9. What outdoor opportunities are there?
Outdoor play is vital for physical health and wellbeing. Find out how often children go outside and what facilities they use — garden, local park, forest school.
10. Can I see your Ofsted report?
Always read the latest Ofsted report, but ask staff to talk you through it. Their openness will tell you a lot about how transparent and reflective they are.
Bonus: Questions Parents Often Forget
- How do you support toilet training?
- What’s your policy on screen time (if any)?
- How do you celebrate diversity and include children with additional needs?
- What happens if I’m late for pick-up?
Checklist for Your Visit
Take this with you:
Quick Parent Checklist: Drop-Off Success
- Daily routine explained clearly
- EYFS learning examples given
- Ratios and key person system in place
- Staff stability and turnover discussed
- Clear policies on health and behaviour
- Transparent fees and funding explained
- Parent communication methods
- Outdoor opportunities available
- Ofsted report discussed openly
Key Takeaway
Asking the right questions gives you confidence in your choice — and helps you spot whether a nursery is being open and honest. Combine your questions with your instincts: if it feels warm, welcoming, and transparent, it’s probably a good fit.
John Doe